Youth who have been involved in the foster care system face unique challenges and need the support of our community. Although some of these individuals qualify for tuition and fee exemptions, there are many costs associated with post-secondary education that are not typically covered. Private colleges and universities, vocational/trade and career schools, and necessary supplies such as books, computers and meal plans are generally extra expenses that fall under the responsibility of the student.
The Guardian ad Litem Foundation of Florida’s First Coast, with the generous support of John and Margie Arrowsmith in memory of their daughter, Krista, have established The Empowerment Scholarship Endowment that will help bridge the gap for these young adults residing in Duval, Clay, and Nassau Counties who have been involved in the dependency court system or have aged out of foster care. Revenue raised through the endowment and ongoing donations will be used to empower these individuals as they navigate through post-secondary education to rise above their circumstances.
The Empowerment Scholarship Endowment generates an annual return that will be used to fund the scholarship along with any additional donations received. The number of scholarship recipients and amount awarded will depend on the available funds and is contingent upon the availability of funds. If you are interested in helping to Change a Child’s Story by donating to The Empowerment Scholarship, please use the link below.
Interested in applying to The Empowerment Scholarship or know someone who might be? See below for information on qualifications.
In order to apply for the scholarship, eligible recipient(s) must:
There are no restrictions in terms of the field of study, award usage, work history, etc.
*The Empowerment Scholarship committee is able to authorize an award for a youth who may be outside of the criteria listed above, due to extraordinary circumstances on a case-by-case review.
To start a new application,
apply below!
If you’ve started the application process and saved your application,
click below to complete it!